"Well, even so, that is very little compared with what you've said about him to me," retorted Leslie. "You shouldn't complain on that score." "I suppose, in your eyes, I shouldn't complain about anything," said Mrs. Minturn. "A world of things, Mrs. Minturn, but not the ones you do," said Leslie. "Oh!" cried Mrs. Minturn. "I think your grievance is that you were born in, and reared for, society," said Leslie, "and in your extremity it has failed you. I believe I can give you more help to-day than any woman of your age and intimate association." "That's true Leslie, quite true!" exclaimed Mrs. Minturn eagerly. "And I need help! Oh I do!" "You poor soul, you!" comforted Leslie. "Turn where you belong! Turn to your own blood!" "My mother would jeer me for a weakling," said Mrs. Minturn. "She has urged me to divorce James, ever since Elizabeth was born." "I didn't mean your mother," said Leslie. "I meant closer relatives, I meant your husband and sons." "My husband would probably tell me he had lost all respect for me, while my sons would very likely pull my hair and kick my shins if I knelt to them for sympathy," said Mrs. Minturn. "They are perfect little animals." "Oh Mrs. Minturn!" cried Leslie amazed. "Then you simply must take them in charge and save them; they are so fine looking, while you're their mother, you are!" "It means giving up life as I have known it always, just about everything!" said Mrs. Minturn. "Look at yourself now!" said Leslie. "I should think you would be glad to give up your present state." "Leslie, do you think it wrong to gather those orchids?" "I think it unpardonable sin to _exterminate_ them," answered Leslie. "If you have any reason for wanting a few, and merely gather the flowers, leaving the roots to spread and bloom another year, I should say take them." "Will you wait in the car until I go back?" she asked. "But I wish to be alone," said Mrs. Minturn. "You're not afraid? You won't become lost?" "I am not afraid, and I will not lose myself," said Mrs. Minturn. "Must I hurry?" "Take all the time you want," said Leslie. It was mid-afternoon when she returned, her hands filled with a dripping moss ball in which she had embedded the stems of a mass of feathery pink-fringed orchids. Her face was flushed with tears, but her eyes were bright, her step quick and alert. "Leslie, what do you think I am going to do?" she cried. Then without awaiting a reply: "I'm going to ask James to go with me to take these to Elizabeth, to beg him to forgive my neglect of her; to pledge the rest of my life to him and the boys." Leslie caught Mrs. Minturn in her arms. "Oh you darling!" she exulted. "Oh you brave, wonderful girl!" "After all, it's no more than fair," Mrs. Minturn said. "I have had everything my way since we were married. And I did love James. He's the only man I have ever really wanted. Leslie, he will forgive me and start over, won't he?" "He'll be at your feet!" cried Leslie.